‘Hero’ catches family members leaping from burning condominium in GA

A Georgia man is becoming hailed a hero just after encouraging a household escape a fireplace tearing by means of an Atlanta-space condominium advanced.

DeKalb County Fire Rescue officials say William Cox jumped into motion Friday when a fireplace broke out at an apartment developing in Stonecrest, about 20 miles east of Atlanta.

Crews arrived just just before 3 p.m. on Dec. 11 to locate “heavy smoke and flames” billowing from the second and third floors and attic, officers said in a statement posted on the internet.

“The breezeway was also concerned,” officials wrote, “forcing citizens to leap from the second and third floor of the setting up.”

Cox, who officials claimed was “among the initially on the scene,” caught six men and women as they escaped through home windows on the 2nd and third floors, WXIA claimed. Amid them was a expecting girl and a toddler.

“My adrenaline was just speeding and I just desired to get everyone out the setting up,” Cox informed the information station.

A witness captured portion of the rescue on cell cell phone video.

In all, fire officials reported 18 citizens experienced injuries, which include fractures, bruises and burns. Seventeen were being taken to a regional medical center for cure, in accordance to the fireplace section.

DeKalb County Fireplace lauded Cox for his heroics in a Fb submit, exactly where nearby group members also voiced their appreciation.

“My coronary heart goes out to individuals people but fantastic get the job done Mr. Cox! And terrific work to the crews,” 1 consumer wrote.

“Thank you Mr Cox for your heroism,” wrote a further. “Thank you DCFR for the operate you do to help save lives day-to-day.”

Authorities say they are however investigating the induce of the hearth.